Sticky moment for the Louvre

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Two German men were arrested at the Louvre Museum for attaching small paintings to the wall near the Mona Lisa, causing minor damage but not harming the protected artwork. This incident underscores ongoing security challenges at the Louvre following a major jewel theft last year, prompting planned renovations and increased protective measures.

Paris’s Louvre Museum recently detained two German men who affixed small paintings to a wall in the area housing Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, marking another security incident following last year’s high-profile jewel theft at the institution.

The two individuals used adhesive tape to attach two artworks, each measuring approximately 30 by 40 centimeters, directly to the wall in the hall where the Mona Lisa is displayed. One painting depicted one of the men wearing armor, while the other portrayed both men alongside a woman. Museum security personnel quickly intervened and held the men until police arrived.

Authorities arrested the individuals on grounds of causing minor damage to the wall. During police questioning, the men reportedly stated that their actions were done “for fun.” The museum plans to file a formal complaint, and the suspects will be summoned to appear in court. Importantly, the Mona Lisa itself, which is protected by a thick layer of bulletproof glass, did not sustain any harm in the incident.

The Louvre remains on heightened alert after a series of security breaches at French cultural institutions, including a notable daylight theft in October of last year. During that heist, eight pieces of jewelry valued at around $55 million were stolen, with four suspects arrested but the stolen items yet to be recovered. The burglary exposed significant vulnerabilities, including outdated CCTV systems, sparking widespread criticism and embarrassment for France’s premier museum.

In response to these incidents, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in May a comprehensive overhaul of the Louvre’s layout and security measures. Planned changes include creating a new dedicated space for displaying the Mona Lisa and redesigning the museum’s entrance to improve visitor flow and surveillance.

This recent episode follows other thefts within France’s art institutions, including the recent disappearance of two Renoir paintings from a museum in the south of the country. Together, these events have intensified discussions about the security standards at French museums and concerns about them being perceived as attractive targets for criminal groups.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.